You may have questions about whether volunteering is right for you.  Here is some information that may help answer some worries people have:

I am currently getting advice from Citizens Advice Fareham, is that OK?

We cannot give advice to anyone who works for us or volunteers for us, as there can be a conflict of interests and we need to be sure we are fair and impartial to everyone who gets advice from us. We usually say it's best not to volunteer with us if you have had advice in the past 6 months, in case there is any follow up needed , but that timescale is not set in stone. If someone volunteers with us and then needs advice, they can get it - but from another Citizens Advice office (Havant, Gosport, Southampton, Eastleigh or Winchester)

I am claiming benefits, will volunteering affect them?

Volunteering should not affect your benefits.  Read more details here

I have a criminal record, can I still volunteer?

Citizens Advice have an ex-offenders policy to ensure that ex-offenders are treated fairly. 

Having a criminal record is not in itself a barrier, and we will only take relevant convictions or sexual offences into account. We consider each offence individually, looking at issues like risk to the client, how long ago it took place, the circumstances and whether they are relevant to the volunteer role. A few  roles may require DBS checks - we will make it clear which roles do in the role descriptions, if you are not sure please ask us.

Anyone with a caution or conviction for a sexual offence against a child or vulnerable adult is considered unsuitable to volunteer.

We will ask about unspent convictions as part of the application process. If you’re concerned or would like to discuss your individual circumstances further, please contact us on 01329 237 121 and ask for Kelly.